A Delicious Healthful Hot Chocolate Recipe and 3 More Warm Drinks for Winter

A steaming cup of hot chocolate is one of the most indulgent of cold-weather treats: sweet, rich, and generally more than a bit unhealthy. “This delicious hot chocolate has all the allure and taste of hot chocolate but without any of the nastiness contained in the more conventional sugar-laden types,” writes chef Amber Rose in Nourish: Mind, Body & Soul, the book she cowrote with Sadie Frost and Holly Davidson. “[This recipe] has cacao, which is full of mood-enhancing properties and wonderful antioxidants. It’s full of healthy fats, which feed the brain and give energy without being stored.” And it’s just delicious. Craving a cup? Here, she shares the recipe and three more healthy things to sip when it’s chilly outside:

Hot Chocolate

Optional flavoringsPinch of cinnamon¼ tsp. orange zest or vanilla powder or a pinch of chile powder and a pinch of cinnamon

Instructions1. Drain and rinse the soaked cashews2. Throw everything into a blender, including the extra spices, if using. Process until you have a smooth liquid.3. Pour it into a saucepan and place over gentle heat until it reaches your desired temperature. Taste for sweetness and add more honey or date syrup, if you wish.

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Mint and Orange Blossom Tea

Both mint and orange are uplifting, so this will elevate your mood and bring general cheer. It’s also cleansing and delicious.

Instructions1. Place the leaves and flowers into a large teapot and pour in boiling water.2. Allow to steep for 6–7 minutes. You can add honey if you like, to taste. I prefer it without, but that’s just me…

Alkalizing Cider Vinegar Tea

This is a great tea to start the day with. It’s very alkalizing and is good for flushing the liver.

InstructionsSimply bring a pot of water to a boil, fill your tea cup, and let it sit for a minute or two to cool before stirring in the vinegar and honey. (By allowing the water to cool a little, you will avoid destroying the health properties of the vinegar and honey.) Stir and drink.

Ginger Tea

This is the simplest of teas, but so good and easy. It’s alkalizing and perfect throughout the day.

IngredientsA few slices of fresh ginger, peeled1 tsp. raw honey

InstructionsBring a pot of water to a boil, fill your tea cup or mug, and gently place the slices into the steaming water. Let sit for a minute or two before adding the honey.